Michael Frayn’s Noises Off Brings Classic Farce to UC Irvine

Comedy and chaos take center stage at the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts

Irvine, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026 — The Department of Drama presents Noises Off, Michael Frayn’s uproarious backstage comedy, widely regarded as one of the funniest farces ever written. Directed by Eli Simon, the production runs March 6 – 14, 2026, at the Claire Trevor Theatre.

A meticulously constructed play within a play, Noises Off follows a struggling theater company as it attempts to stage the fictional farce Nothing On. What begins as a shaky dress rehearsal quickly spirals into chaos, with missed cues, forgotten lines, misplaced props and tangled relationships colliding both onstage and behind the scenes. Doors slam, sardines fly and egos clash in a tour de force of comic timing and physical precision.

"One of the exciting challenges of directing farce is the split-second timing it demands," shared Simon. "Farce is about highly improbable situations, exaggerated characterizations and physical humor like falling down stairs, pulling off door knobs, or sitting on a plate of sardines. Our actors here at UCI Drama are mastering the art of precision: every line, physical action, and emotional shift must be delivered within an inch of its life. Having the entire ensemble work this way takes trust, execution, and many long hours of focused rehearsing. It's a herculean endeavor, but it’s incredibly gratifying when the moments you’ve planned and rehearsed come off like clockwork."

Hailed by The New York Times as “the most dexterously realized comedy ever about putting on a comedy,” Noises Off is a love letter to the theater that exposes its madness with affection and exacting craft. The production demands extensive ensemble coordination, offering student performers a rigorous opportunity to hone timing, physical comedy and collaborative discipline.

The creative team includes scenic design by Gretchen Ugalde, costume design by Kari Setlak, lighting design by Hayden Kirschbaum, sound design by Andrew Yoder and stage management by Daniel Rosales. A striking rotating set, powered manually by performers, illuminates the show’s mechanical precision and theatrical ingenuity.

The cast features a mix of current students, faculty and alumni, including Professor Phil Thompson and UCI Drama M.F.A. alumnus Evan Lugo, who returns to perform at Claire Trevor School of the Arts after completing his graduate training during the pandemic.

A post-performance talkback with company members and scholars will follow the Sunday, March 8, 2026, 2 p.m. matinee. Open captions will be available for this performance.

For more information about the season of performances, visit the Department of Drama website: drama.arts.uci.edu.

Performances and Ticket Information

Evenings: Friday, March 6; Saturday, March 7; Wednesday, March 11; Thursday, March 12; Friday, March 13; Saturday, March 14 at 8 p.m.
Matinees: Sunday, March 8; Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m.
Venue: Claire Trevor Theatre

General Admission $25/ Senior Age 62+ $22/ UCI Faculty, Alumni, Staff, Emeriti and Retirees: $22/ Arts Packages (3+ events): $21/ Groups 10+ $20/ UCI Students & Children under 17: $10. Box office (949) 824-2787 or purchase online.

Content Advisory

Recommended for ages 12 and older. This production contains mild adult themes and sexual content. Estimated run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including two intermissions.

Major support for Noises Off is provided by the Robert and Lorna Cohen Endowment for Excellence in Drama, the Theatre Guild and the Claire Trevor Society.

About the Claire Trevor School of the Arts: The UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts is where scholarly research and creative activity converge. As the only comprehensive arts school in the University of California system, it includes four departments: art, dance, drama and music. The school offers 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and two minors that combine rigorous artistic training with a world-class liberal arts education. Named for Academy Award-winning actress Claire Trevor, the school presents more than 200 public performances, exhibitions and lectures each year. Students and faculty engage in studio practice, performance, academic study and interdisciplinary research, often collaborating across campus and within the community. Recognized nationally for its excellence, access and affordability, the school prepares the next generation of creative leaders who shape culture, drive innovation and make a difference in the world. For more information, visit arts.uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit uci.edu.

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